Wellington might not have the sweltering hot summers, luxury fashion shopping meccas, or centuries-old architecture of some of the world's desirable cities. But its residents' purchasing power, its low crime rate and pollution, healthcare options, cost of living, house prices, commuting time, and climate puts ahead of the rest, according to Deutsche Bank.

Given the recent debate about housing affordability in Wellington, some may be surprised we ranked favourably, but the survey points out it works on "averages".

MAARTEN HOLL/ FAIRFAX NZ

Wellingtonian Courtney Durr in Oriental Parade on Thursday. Resident Courtney Durr said: "I've been to quite a few cities around the world and I always have such a good feeling coming home and flying into Wellington," she says.

Now I know why I thank Providence every day that I live in this wonderful city -- in a wonderful country, where I know that if I have an accident or fail very sick, I can go to hospital, get world-class care, and no one asks me to pay for it.